Mazhilis approves ratification of Kazakh-Uzbek agreement on protection of migrant workers’ rights

The bill was presented to the Mazhilis by Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population Birzhan Nurymbetov. He recalled that in April 2019, as part of the state visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to Uzbekistan in Tashkent, a number of bilateral government documents were signed, including the agreement.

He pointed out that the ratification of the agreement will further strengthen cooperation between the countries in the field of regulating the process of labour migration and providing a legal basis for protecting the rights of migrant workers of the two countries.

Under the agreements, migrant workers have the right to rest, receive a guaranteed amount of free medical care for acute diseases that are dangerous to others, in accordance with the laws of the host country and the terms of the employment contract.

At the same time, medical services not included in the list of guaranteed volume of free medical care are provided on a paid basis or as part of voluntary medical insurance.

Payment and other working conditions of migrant workers are regulated by an employment contract with the employer in accordance with the laws of the host country. It also says that wages should not be lower, and working conditions should not be less favorable than for citizens of the host country.

In addition, in the event of death or injury to a migrant worker in connection with the performance of labour duties, the employer shall make payments and compensations established by the laws of the host country.

The ratification does not require the adoption of other regulatory legal acts and nor entails additional financial costs.